English as an Additional Language
As an international school, DBIS is open to and welcomes students from all over the world. One of our strengths is determined by our multi cultural make up. This means, in turn, that a number of our students will arrive with limited or indeed no English. This is not a barrier to these students being accepted on to our waiting lists or actual roll where spaces exist except in the later Primary Years and Secondary School where an English competency assessment is required prior to any subsequent offer of a place.
In welcoming students who will have English as additonal language, we are confident in our capacity to help them develop towards fluency as successful speakers, readers and writers of English.
EAL students enjoy their own classroom base at respective year levels. For the vast majority of their learning, EAL students remain with their class peers, in whatever area of study is currently being undertaken. Teachers are required to differentiate their planning and teaching for the range of students in each class (20 students in Nursery and Reception, with 24 in Primary and Secondary classes).
In addition, our school employs trained Education Assistants at each Year Group level to work with identified EAL students in their classrooms while the students are involved in shared and meaningful learning. Indeed, it is in this productive learning environment that all EAL students thrive. It is a natural learning environment where prevailing conditions of immersion, approximation, expectation and meaningful learning contexts lead to real rewards and success.
We continue to be especially proud of every EAL student in our school and welcome your support and involvement as part of our very special school family.
